Nearly 25,000 students of schools of Coimbatore Corporation have been trained by Aram Foundation Charitable Trust for five months to enable them face the world with confidence.
The project ‘Happy Child’ was executed jointly by the Coimbatore Corporation and Aram Foundation in 83 schools.
While on the one hand students were taught to be courteous, neat and tidy, on the other they were also taught to control anger, forgive wrong doers, be helpful to people with disabilities, etc.
The valediction of the project was held at the chamber of Mayor of Coimbatore S.M. Velusamy on Tuesday when 415 students selected from the participating schools received certificates under five categories — 100 per cent attendance, neatness, courtesy, altruism, and overall performance.
According to Latha Sundaram, Managing Trustee of Aram Foundation, the project was implemented in the schools by 450 research scholars drawn from various colleges in the city.
“They were trained on the modules and delivery methods and sent to schools along with representatives of the Foundation to conduct the training. The focus was on developing soft skills, helping them improve relationship with the teacher, educating them about their right to education, defending themselves from abuse, controlling anger, etc,” she said.
A psychologist was engaged for providing counselling and guidance to those with behavioural problems.
Students used the helpline provided to them to make several calls when they needed guidance.
At the end of the project, students were asked to evaluate the content by filling up a self-evaluation booklet. The feedback received by the organisers was positive. Also, a survey was made about the impact.
Heads of institutions, teachers and elders associated with the students responded, and it was found that 92 per cent respondents had said that there was a visible change in the behaviour of the students.
The Foundation hopes to carry forward the project as another phase in the next academic year.
